Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has directed security operatives to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, as he imposes a new ban to curtail the criminal activities of motorcyclists in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who gave the directive during a meeting with relevant stakeholders at the State House, Ikeja, noted that the ban was permanent.

“The situation has led to a complete breakdown of law and order. This ban has come to stay, and we will not tolerate any weakness in enforcement,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the total ban on Okada riders was on all highways across the state’s six Local Government Areas (LGAs) and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

He said that with effect from June 1, security operatives should enforce the proscription order across the listed councils.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the government decided in line with the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 to immediately address the chaos and menace created by operations of commercial motorcyclists in the listed areas.

He urged the Police to enforce the order without compromise, warning that the state government would not condone any security formation that relaxed the new ban in its jurisdiction.

He urged residents patronising Okada riders on highways to embrace the government’s alternative transport schemes to plan their journey.

Sanwo-Olu said that the government had provided Last-Mile Buses, medium-capacity and high-capacity buses in the affected areas for the convenience of commuters.

“Before the end of the year, we are also bringing the rail along these corridors with their terminals. We have provided jetties as well to provide alternatives.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu’s administration has banned Okada operations in parts of Lagos over the past years, yet enforcement seems to fizzle out months after announcement.

(NAN)